How to Recover Deleted Files on Windows and Mac

Accidentally deleting an important file can feel like a disaster, but don’t panic! With the right tools and techniques, you can often recover lost data. Whether you’re using Windows or Mac, this guide will walk you through the steps to retrieve your deleted files and get back to business as usual.

Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac)

The first place to check for deleted files is the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). These folders temporarily store deleted files, making it easy to recover them.

• Windows:

  1. Open the Recycle Bin from the desktop.

  2. Look for your deleted file.

  3. Right-click the file and select Restore. The file will return to its original location.

• Mac:

  1. Open the Trash from the dock.

  2. Locate your deleted file.

  3. Right-click the file and choose Put Back. This restores the file to its original folder.

If you can’t find the file here, don’t worry—there are still other ways to recover it!

Step 2: Use File History or Time Machine

Both Windows and Mac have built-in backup tools that can help you recover previous versions of files or retrieve files from a backup.

• Windows (File History):

  1. Type "File History" into the search bar and select Restore your files with File History.

  2. Navigate to the folder where the file was stored.

  3. Browse through previous versions of the folder to find your file.

  4. Select the file and click Restore.

• Mac (Time Machine):

  1. Connect your Time Machine backup drive.

  2. Open the folder where the file was last saved.

  3. Click the Time Machine icon in the menu bar and choose Enter Time Machine.

  4. Use the timeline on the right to find a previous version of the folder.

  5. Select the file and click Restore.

If you haven’t set up these tools, it’s a good idea to enable them for future use.

Step 3: Try a Data Recovery Tool

If the file isn’t in the Recycle Bin, Trash, or a backup, you may need to use a data recovery tool. These tools scan your hard drive for deleted files and attempt to restore them.

Popular Data Recovery Tools:

• Windows:

  • Recuva (free and user-friendly).

  • EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard.

  • Disk Drill.

• Mac:

  • Disk Drill (Mac-compatible).

  • Stellar Data Recovery.

  • Data Rescue.

How to Use a Data Recovery Tool:

1. Download and install the tool on a different drive (to avoid overwriting the deleted file).

2. Launch the tool and scan the drive where the file was stored.

3. Browse the results and select the file you want to recover.

4. Save the file to a different location to prevent overwriting other data.

Step 4: Check Cloud Storage Services

If you use a cloud service like Google Drive, OneDrive, or iCloud, your file might be stored there.

• Log in to your cloud account.

• Check the Trash or Deleted Files section of the cloud service.

• Restore the file if it’s available.

Cloud services often retain deleted files for a limited period, so act quickly.

Step 5: Contact a Professional

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t recover the file, it might be time to contact a professional data recovery service. These experts have specialized tools to recover data from damaged or corrupted drives.

Prevention Tips: Protect Your Data in the Future

• Enable Backups: Use File History (Windows) or Time Machine (Mac) to create regular backups.

• Use Cloud Storage: Save files to cloud services for an additional layer of protection.

• Be Cautious: Double-check before deleting files, and avoid using "Shift + Delete" or "Command + Delete," which bypasses the Recycle Bin/Trash.

Final Thoughts
Recovering deleted files doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these steps and using the right tools, you can often retrieve lost data and prevent future mishaps. Remember, prevention is the best strategy, so make regular backups a priority!

Need more help with data recovery or backup solutions? Contact Sergeants Solutions for expert advice and IT support.